SWINDON has been named as being in the top three places in the UK for first-time buyers.
It was pipped to the top spot by Milton Keynes and Dartford, in Kent, and came in second place in the survey compiled by online service Experian PropertyCheck.
Areas surrounding London dominated the top 10 list.
House prices in London have remained relatively high, boosted by demand from overseas buyers, while the market in other areas of the UK has tended to be more patchy.
Swindon has also seen its population increase, by more than 11,600 since 2007, and it has a similar proportion of young people.
The first-time buyer share of the housing market fell back to a three-year low last autumn but has shown a small recovery in recent months.
But estate agents fear the recent ending of a two-year stamp duty concession for first-time buyers could disrupt the market.
Experian Interactive MD Peter Turner said: “In spite of difficulties across the country in getting that first foot on the property ladder, online indicators suggest the market is improving for first-time buyers."
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